Clinical pharmacist roles in a virtual continuous glucose monitor initiation service

Few primary care practices have access to clinical pharmacists and certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs), despite the critical role they play in diabetes management. Diabetes technologies, including Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), are associated with improved patient outcomes; however, disparities exist in obtaining CGMs for primary care patients compared with endocrinology patients. To address this barrier, a virtual CGM Initiation Service (virCIS) was created and implemented in primary care practices in Colorado. Clinical pharmacists served key roles in service implementation, including leading virtual visits for CGM initiation and data interpretation, providing patient education about CGM results and potential therapy implications, creating education and actionable recommendations for primary care providers and assistance with the CGM prescription coverage process. Implementation of this model supported patient access to CGMs, while providing comprehensive patient and provider education about CGM use. Overcoming the multitude of CGM coverage barriers identified led to the development of recommended practices for CGM coverage.